COLUMBIANA, Alabama -- White Rock Quarries is planning to
host two public hearings in the coming months in the process of securing environmental
permits in 2014 to start a controversial mining operation in Vincent that has
generated strong opposition from residents.

Kathy Copeland, director of governmental and public relations
for White Rock Quarries, provided a brief update about the company's proposal
known as the Vincent Hills Quarry at today's South Shelby Chamber of Commerce
meeting in Columbiana.

"It's been a long time coming for White Rock," Copeland
said, noting an Alabama
Supreme Court decision released last December in favor of the city and the
project. "The lawsuits are over now. The town has been declared doing the right
thing, which is good."

The company is in the process of securing environmental
permits for air and water related to the Vincent operation. "The only thing
that remains is for us is to continue doing our due diligence and work through
the permitting process," Copeland said.

"We'll probably be into 2014 before we have permits," she
added. "This company is very, very committed to what we are doing, and they are
also very committed to being a good neighbor."

The company is planning on opening a quarry in Vincent
that will bring upwards of 125 jobs to the community and needed tax revenues
for the municipal government. The company plans to donate $1.65 million to the
community for schools a new senior center, a recreation center, street paving
and other services.

Copeland distributed a statement at the meeting that
noted the quarry does not pose any groundwater contamination danger or
hazardous waste production. The company plans to install berms around the site
and use dust suppression measures, as well as placing the main crusher located 80 feet below
ground level.

"It's pretty well known now we did find a burial ground
on our property. We have sectioned that off and we are going to protect it," Copeland
said about measures to protect the discovery at the site.

Vincent Mayor Ray McAllister told the chamber group he
supports the quarry and the numerous benefits that will result from the
operation. "We're really looking forward to additional jobs and additional revenue
into our community," McAllister said.

"One of the benefits when the quarry does open, we're
looking at 125 jobs. We need jobs in our part of Shelby County. We need jobs
badly, anything that can help us put people back to work. Alabama is still
6.7 percent unemployment, Shelby County is way lower than that in some parts. In
other parts it's a whole different story," he said.